Thrifty Thursday Ideas

I had such a lovely day yesterday. So many took the time to congratulate me on a great presidency with the American Opera Society of Chicago, and voiced that they were sad to see me step down. Really nice. Good for the soul :) 

Some asked what I would do now. I love the movie Working Girl and I jokingly used a line from the movie, "Oh, I think I'll redecorate the country house, go to Europe for a while ;)" What I'll actually be doing is continuing to talk to all of you through the blog on a regular basis, continue working on the new Sewbussted interview series (BTW, a new one will be up tomorrow!!!), working in my garden, and a couple of other things that I'm just not ready to talk about. 

Change is good as it allows us to take a new direction. One of my projects requires a considerable amount of research and reading, which I'm loving, but it takes time. So, I'm happy to have my mind a little freer in the months to come :).  

Now that warmer weather has finally hit Chicago, I'm wanting some fresh new pieces for spring/summer wear. What I REALLY need are some new pajamas. I received the new issue of Sew News recently and they have a simple, but cute pair in the issue and even better, it's a free download!

The pajamas are intended to be made from a woven fabric. They recommend crepe de chine, but any light weight woven would be fine. I have not made up the pattern yet, so I can't vouch for the drafting or fit, but with something so simple,  especially drawstring pants and an easy tank, I think you'll be safe to give it a try. I've downloaded the pattern, so I should have it made up soon. You can find the FREE PATTERN HERE. 

This must be a stripe kind of a week for me! Another super cute pattern that is a free download in the current issue of Sew News is this linen striped top.

I really like the front yoke and the interest that is added with the stripes. This pattern could easily be lengthened and made into an easy to wear summer shift dress. 

The instructions in the magazine are quite detailed, so if you've never ventured into the stripe world, you'll be sure to have a successful garment. You can find the FREE PATTERN DOWNLOAD HERE. If you think you would like to have 1 or both of the patterns, be sure to download them now as they will no longer be free after July 31, 2017!

A few days ago, Sewingelle of He Cooks...She Sews posted this sweet picture of she and her daughter on Mother's Day. I think her daughter is one of the luckiest girls in the entire world as her mom makes the most fabulous wardrobe for her.

Sewingelle commented that since the dress is black, it's a little difficult to see the style lines, but she likes it so much that she intends to make another for herself. 

 

Now, here's the good news!!!

The exact same pattern is on the cover of the current issue of Sew News, and..... 

You can get the pattern for 20% off when you enter the code, PocketDress20 at checkout, WOOHOO!!!

You can find the pattern HERE at BurdaStyle. 

This dress was made in a scuba knit, so it gives the dress a different look from the soft stretch velvet that Sewingelle used for her daughter's dress.  

Free patterns and a discount, I think that makes for a pretty good day!

Have a great one!
Rhonda

Treat Yourself Sales and Pretty Pictures To Inspire

While gift giving is fun, it's also nice to treat ourselves to a little something that we might enjoy! 

This morning I received a message from Burda Style that everything in their store is 30% off with coupon code TREAT30. It's a 3 day sale, so if there's something you would like, be sure to hurry over.

I picked up this fun top. 

I love the shape of the shoulders, the funnel neck, and the shaped hem. I have my fingers crossed that I'll be able to ink out a little time to get it done in the next few days. HERE'S a link to the pattern 
   

IThinkSew has tons of their patterns on sale. You can see their sale page HERE.  You may remember the Emily Bag that I did for a Sew News sew along. The pattern is on sale for 50% off and you can find it HERE.

During the month of December, IThinkSew is also offering free patterns to those who are newsletter subscribers and have purchased patterns in the past. This cute little coin purse pattern just arrived in my inbox this morning. You can find the pattern HERE.

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to see the Mainbocher exhibit at the Chicago History Museum. If by chance you find yourself in Chicago, the exhibit runs through September of 2017, so by all means, add it to what you might like to see in Chicago!

This video gives you a great glimpse into the exhibit.

As I began the tour, I saw this quote and thought that this is how all of us who sew feel about our creations.

We had a tour guide who pointed out the jewelry that matches the gown. Mainbocher was VERY particular about what was worn with his creations.

This jacket was designed in the 1930's and is as much in style now as it was then.

I absolutely loved this piece.

I found this gown particularly interesting.

Look closely and you'll see the subtle change in colors that were used for each panel.

There are much better pictures of this gown on the website.

The dress below was designed to be worn by a mother of the bride.

If my memory serves me, I believe that this cape in today's money would have been $40,000. 

Both of the dresses below were done in the 1960's. I especially like the dress on the right. Underneath the overlay is a strapless, knee length dress.  

In the video they talk about that the exhibit also offers some interactive opportunities. I am such a kid at heart, so I just couldn't help myself :) Below is one where you can create your own label.

As I said, the exhibit is well worth a visit especially is you find yourself in Chicago, or not too far away.

As the days of this week tick away, be sure to take a few minutes for yourself and nourish your soul :) 

My Good Fortune Can Be Your Good Fortune!

A few days ago I ordered new pillows for my bed. A friend of mine has the most wonderful pillows, so I decided to get  a pair for my husband and myself. Since I placed the order, I have been anxiously awaiting their arrival. Funny, once I placed the order, the pillow that has been a favorite is suddenly substandard. My husband went out to walk the dogs yesterday evening and as he walked out the door he told me that there was a package. "Yea!!!, my pillows." He said that if it was the pillows, they were awfully small since the box was about the length and width  of a magazine. To my surprise, the package was from Burda and there was a gift enclosed! Sweet!!!
Remember the Best of Blogging Award?

Well, the contents were a part of the prize package.

I received the Fall edition of Burda Style magazine(my first Burda Style magazine!!), a book by Denise Wild entitled Mend and Make Fabulous, and 2 DVDs by Denise  on learning to sew.

I flipped through the magazine and saw this ad for the DVDs, a $40.00 value!! Nice!

Okay, so here's the deal. If you've followed my blog for any amount of time, I think I can safely say that you know that I know how to sew, kinda sorta anyway ;) So, I really don't need the DVDs. What I would like to do is pass them along. Do you have a friend, a child, a grandchild that would like to learn to sew? Or maybe you somehow stumbled across my blog and you would like to learn to sew. The DVDs would make a great Christmas gift or stocking stuffer. They are in the original packaging, so they have not been viewed, they are brand new. 

If you would like a chance to win the DVDs, just leave a message on this post. I will ship them anywhere. You MUST be a follower of this blog. Let me know how you follow in your comment. I will draw the winning name on Monday, December 15th, 2014. 

Good Luck!!!!

Burda Style Patterns, A New Journey

One of the perks of being chosen as one of Burda's Top 50 Bloggers is receiving 5 free Burda patterns. Now, I must confess, I have never used a Burda pattern. How could I have possibly gotten to this point in my life and never used a Burda pattern?!!! Well, that's about to end and I am super excited about the patterns that I chose

First up is this fabulous motorcycle jacket. I love the lines and the collar.

You can find the pattern here, http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/asymmetrical-moto-jacket-112013
I thought this pair of pants was rather interesting. I actually tried a pair on that was very much like this pant while I was in Houston. So I at least have an idea of how they will fit.

You can find the pattern here, http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/crossover-pants-112013
I LOVE this cape and it will be the first piece that I make. Great for throwing on over just about anything.

Here's a link to that pattern, http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/drawstring-cape-032013
The last 2 patterns that I chose are from the same collection.

I really like this blouse. It will work with skirts, jeans and look great under a jacket. You can find the pattern here, http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/gathered-shirt-blouse-102012

The pocket detail on this skirt is what drew me in.

Here's the link to the pattern, http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/flared-skirt-102012
I can't wait to sink my teeth into this pattern.

As I said, I really liked all the patterns from this collection and I think I will purchase the pattern below. What a cute topper for skinny pants. You can see the entire collection here.

Many of you have lots of Burda experience. Do you have any advice you might like to pass along???

Burda Style Top 50 Bloggers

Back in late September, I was blown away to find out that I had been chosen as 1 of Burda Style's 50 best bloggers. Well, the list of all 50 is out and it is quite impressive. You should really take a look! There are many that are new to me. Here's the complete list,
http://www.burdastyle.com/pdf/BurdaTopBloggerPDF_v3.pdf
Thanks again for all who voted. It's truly an honor!!!
I am working on a fun drafting post that should be up later this afternoon. See ya later!!!

I'm Speechless!!!

Well, almost speechless anyway ;), but very shocked!!
Late yesterday afternoon, I was putting the finishing touches on my projects for my upcoming classes at the American Sewing Expo when I decided to take a quick break and check my email. Here's what the message said,

 Hello and Congratulations!

The votes are in, and the BurdaStyle community has voted you one of the Top 50 Best Bloggers for Sewing Enthusiasts. A winner’s badge is attached. Please feel free to post this on your blog, social media, email signature, etc.! A PDF will be going live shortly on the site announcing the winners, including a brief description of your blog and your URL. We’ll keep you updated so that you can direct your followers to the BurdaStyle blog.

How did this happen????? I had no idea that there was a contest or any type of voting. I'm just overwhelmed, excited, appreciative, shocked and a little speechless ;) So however this happened, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!

There will not be a Wednesday Showcase post today, so sorry. I have been putting all of my energy into getting ready for the expo. A new class has been added for me to teach, The Power of Spandex. The woman who was supposed to teach the class is ill and had to back out at the last minute. Since I have a background in costume designing, I was asked to fill in. I put together a fabulous pair of footed tights to show the class. I'll blog about them next week. I wish, I wish I had this pattern when I was doing costumes. I was very impressed with how it was drafted and especially the fit. Like I said, more next week. 

Tomorrow, I'll share some pictures of my finished dress that I will be teaching tomorrow. As it turns out, the class is quite small, bad for the expo, but great for me and the people taking the class. We will be drafting the great big sleeve that I showed you last week. I also did a sleeve that is much more wearable, but will beautifully translate to costume work. And I have other surprises in store for them, so we'll be hopping tomorrow, but I think it will be a lot of fun. I hope so anyway!!

If by chance you are coming to the expo, I will be in the social media lounge from 10 to 12 on Friday and I think I will be back again later in the day with Sew News. So please look for me, I would love nothing more than to have the opportunity to meet you. 

Come Monday, everything will be back to normal. I will get back to the pant drafting on Tuesday, so stay tuned for that. 

So my day begins with a big bang!! Thank you for coming by the blog and for supporting me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!